Threat of Holy War to Back Afghan Ruler

Published: June 22, 1992

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 21—
Some guerrilla leaders threatened today to wage a jihad, or holy war, to keep Sibgatullah Mojadedi, the interim President, in office.

Mr. Mojadedi, who previously agreed to give up the post on June 28, is arguing that he is the only leader who has the broad support to unite the country after a 14-year war.

However, he has no real power base among the major Muslim guerrilla groups and only last week formed an alliance with a coalition of eight small parties formed and supported by Iran.

Afghanistan's numerous factions are riven by religious, ethnic and political differences, and there have been several outbreaks of fighting among the groups since the Communists were ousted.

Today dozens of religious scholars and tribal leaders sat on the floor of the presidential palace as guerrilla commanders paraded across a stage and called for Mr. Mojadedi to remain in office for as long as five years. The event was broadcast by state-run television.

"We have sacrificed a lot for this Government," said Sayeed Khalil Pacha, a commander in eastern Nangarhar Province. "We don't want anyone to destroy it. We will wage jihad against anyone who opposes him. We have enough power and patience."

Mr. Mojadedi, a 70-year-old professor of Islamic philosophy, took office on April 28 under an agreement hurriedly put together by rebel factions after the ouster of President Najibullah.

The pact called for Burhanuddin Rabbani, leader of the powerful Jamiat-i-Islami faction, to take over for the second phase of the transition to Islamic rule and elections.

Mr. Mojadedi said an assembly of tribal elders and religious scholars should decide whether he remains in office.